Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Update From ACR

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the key to treating rheumatoid arthritis, and timely initiation can prevent joint damage. Although the multiple classes of DMARDs can make treatment decisions challenging, family physicians often prescribe these medications. DMARDs are categorized as conventional synthetic (csDMARDs), biologic (bDMARDs), and targeted synthetic (tsDMARDs). Table 1 lists DMARDs approved for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) published updated guidelines focused solely on medical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.